This was my first read by Kimberly Mullins and I liked this book! This was the first historical mystery I’ve ever read, as I like to read more modern mystery, but I was not disappointed. Emma defies the odds during her time period as a woman business owner who also solves mysteries. The only thing is I wish I read book 1 before reading this book. I was also a little confused about the narrator parts in the book. Overall, I was surprised to like it so much because historical novels aren’t my usual go to.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2021-09-17 20:52:422021-09-18 09:21:55Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Daryian Lucas
I can honestly say that I am likely one of the only avid readers out there that haven’t read any Sherlock Holmes novels, nor have I really paid much attention to any tv/movies of this genre. This novel has altered my interest for sure! I found myself immersed in Emma’s sleuthing skills, and the different skills of her family members and team. After reading numerous romance novels, I was itching for a change of pace and Notebook Mysteries – Decisions and Possibilities hit the spot. From the first few chapters, I was pulled into the 1880’s, Chicago is a place of development, and growth, and I found it very easy to picture Emma, and Dora, in their boarding house. Women were ultimately seen for their homemaking skills, and this team fought hard to encourage women and local businesses to take them on to prove their worth outside the home. It’s very empowering!
I did find that a lot happened all at once, especially during the first half of the novel. Once I hit the halfway mark, and we really start to dig deep into one specific Pinkerton case, I couldn’t put the book down and found myself trying to figure out what the outcome would be by deciphering the information given so far. It is by no means an ‘easy read’ but that’s part of what makes Kimberly Mullins writing style so incredible. I loved that it pulls you in, introducing new characters, and bringing a romantic story to light as well. The fact that Kimberly Mullins includes some historical information as you’re sightseeing in New York City with Emma and Jeremy was fascinating. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, and will certainly be looking forward to reading more Notebook Mysteries in the future. Thank you, Ms. Mullins, it was a riveting read, highly recommend!
This book definitely gave me some Sherlock Holmes vibes but then I also remembered there’s a movie Enola Holmes and that is even a better description of how amazing this book is. Once I started reading the book I realized that this is the second book, so I went and read the first one before continuing. I highly recommend that you read Emma first.
Kimberly Mullins has a great talent with world building and her attention to detail is out of this world. The way she molds the characters and story together is done masterfully.
I highly recommend this book for young adults and mystery lovers
I loved the sweetness of this story. Emma was a woman determined to do things her way but in a demure way. I loved this woman, who in a time women were to be seen and not heard, was so out of the ordinary. Emma was about women being empowered. She went to business school, helped victims, solves crimes, and built a business. I haven’t been reading much in the historical category lately, but this book would draw me back in. Loved living in this world for a short time.
I’m new to the series and didn’t realize it was the second novel, but you aren’t lost about anything if you pick it up! I love Emma’s personality and her determination to get justice for anyone who deserves it! The boarding house scenes and the interactions between the family to help Emma’s dream business work are my favorite part! The historical atmosphere is a little loose in the interpretation for me but was not a deterring factor when reading. I would recommend this book for you or your younger reader who is getting into reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00MaeLeadstonehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaeLeadstone2021-09-15 19:25:452021-09-16 10:03:00Notebook Mysteries ~Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullens~reviewed by Mae Leadstone
This book has a great heroine in Emma Evans. She is strong, intelligent, and driven. She also cares about supporting the women in her town to gain independence, education, and a profession. She advocates for them tirelessly, even when universities and companies balk at the idea of an educated woman in the 1800s.
I have not read the first book, but there was sufficient backstory elements added that I wasn’t confused about what was happening. That said, I think it would have been even more engaging had I read the first book. As new ones are coming out soon, I may just catch up on what I missed!
Notebook Mysteries – Decisions and Possibilities By: Kimberly Mullins Genre: Young Adult & Historical Pages: 242
Well…I don’t know exactly what to say about this story. It felt very diary like. It was much of a cliff hanger but I will say I is very engaging. It is a mystery and I would say family drama. Like a soap. Have you ever watched All my Children? Yes it is very ABC….It has an amazing pot that had me wanting to just keep gong however it was also like an okay lets get to it….your going to keep reading to find out the what, who, where,, when. Very well put together. Except for the ending, but what? Okay Emma I get it. Four stars it is a great read. 100% worth it I am just more psychological thriller then adventure and mystery. You ask me this is a story that results from a teen hitting the peak of puberty and wanting to see the world. You go Emma!
“You’re saying he has pictures of bodies and such?” That gave Tony a moment of pause.
The storyline was a little hard to follow at first but once I got into it I couldn’t stop reading. The story has so much going on, Emma cracking case after case; it’s almost like reading an action novel. The story captivates you, and you almost forget that you’re reading. With a new case starting almost every few chapters you are kept wanting more until the end. Each case was solved by the end of the book so there were no cliffhangers. Very good read!
Light-hearted mystery featuring a young, spunky female investigator who isn’t afraid to stick her neck out. She can bake bread and decorate cakes then throw knives with accuracy. I found the storyline a good one and the network of characters a good solid group. It reminded me a lot of Miss Fischer’s Mysteries, but is appropriate for younger readers. I struggled a little bit with the writing style as there were disruptions of a “narrator,” that I didn’t quite understand. I have not yet read the first book in the series so it may be explained better there (I will have to read and find out!).
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jana Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJana Lewis2021-09-10 19:47:472021-09-11 21:22:29Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jana Lewis
I really enjoyed this second installment of the Notebook Mysteries from Kimberly Mullins. I normally don’t overly love young adult books but these ones really weave enough of the historical aspects that keep me really interested and hooked on it and enthralled in the story. Emma is back with a new mystery to solve and more romance to keep you on your toes. I would think if you haven’t read book one that you would be okay to start here but I would recommend book one as well. These books are full of wit and charm as much as mystery and intrigue. These have something for everyone and all ages. Definitely must reads! I can’t wait to see what will come next!
If you like cozy mysteries set in the past this book is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical fiction cozy mystery. Emma was a well-fleshed-out character with tons of spunk. While reading I felt like I have dropped into 1883 Chicago. The mystery portion of the story was so good. It was a complete nail-biter till the very end. As an avid reader of mysteries, I didn’t see any of the twists coming. Some of the twists were even a bit shocking my jaw dropped.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jaime Owenshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJaime Owens2021-09-09 12:43:542021-09-11 19:55:11Notebook Mysteries~Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins- Review by Jaime Owens
Emma is a young, upstanding girl in the 1880s but she’s also determined. Determined to help women be equal. Determined to solve crimes. And determined to do what she can to make a difference. Notebook Mysteries Decisions and Possibilities follows Emma as she sleuths her way through a variety of unusual activities.
I found the idea to be intriguing, following a girl through journeys of crime isn’t new, but the idea of following through her journal entries is. While this book started out in this sense, sort of falling back into written accounts that Emma made, it didn’t stay like this. The reader starts out with Emma reminiscing about a previous case after stumbling onto the notebook where she writes about the case.
As we move forward we are introduced to other characters including her partners in business and others. One thing I found interesting about this book was the use of the Narrator as a character, a character with its own thoughts and comments, mostly directed to another known as Dear-One. We don’t get many inserts from these two characters, but I feel if there were more I think the story could gain a lot of details.
Throughout the course of the story, we hear about three different cases and a separate account that is related. For me, as a reader, I felt that three cases in a short book was too much and that it would have been more beneficial to the story and characters to spend time on one case and perhaps introduce a second one to entice readers for the next installment.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and felt that Kimberly Mullins had a strong grip on an amazing idea. I’m excited to see more from her as she continues to write and become stronger in her style.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tia Martelhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTia Martel2021-09-09 12:19:562021-09-10 15:13:04Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tia Martel
This was my first book by this author and I am hooked! This is a fun, YA book, with a female Sherlock Holmes-like main character. Decisions and Possibilities is the second book, and I am going to be reading the first one. The storyline kept me interested through to the end. Emma is a strong character that makes you instantly want to be her. She has been brought up learning many skills, from cooking and sewing, to defending herself. I will definitely be sharing these with my young granddaughter.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Terri Jo McAllisterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTerri Jo McAllister2021-09-09 06:04:252021-09-10 14:59:33Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Terri Jo McAllister
This story is a historic young adult story. It is about Emma who just graduated from business school. Emma has started investigating some of her team members. There is one, in particular, that is a little shady. Her life is not exactly what it seems in her world. That is where the mystery begins. In life, there are twists and turns and this book proves this idea. It was refreshing reading about historical Chicago. The details are accurate and that is what makes the story believable. The characters are realistic and easy to relate to. I highly recommend this story especially if you like historical books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2021-09-08 20:16:152021-09-10 14:31:22Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Erica Fish
Notebook Mysteries- Decisions and Possibilities was ah-mazing! I was instantly draw in from the cover art alone, I didn’t really even read the synopsis. This book is the second in the series, and I did not read the first one, but I really want to. It can be enjoyed as a stand alone, and I hope there is another book after this, because I must know what happens next for Emma and Jeremy! Emma is such a great character, ahead of her time. She is a young woman in 1880s Chicago, in a time when women have low expectations. She is brilliant and has the drive to go to college, and work alongside men. Her family is fascinating and I would like to know more about them. The book is action packed, moving from one case to the next. They weren’t really related, except to show us how awesome Emma is, and display her networking. But it wasn’t unorganized or chaotic, the story worked. It ended too abruptly for me, but I really enjoyed it. Unlike any other book I have read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2021-09-08 16:33:512021-09-10 14:22:59Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins is the second book following Emma Evans and her adventures around Chicago in the 1880s. Emma, now 18, is a graduate of business school and sets out as an adult gathering a team to help her with investigations. This quick, historical mystery can be read as a standalone, but, as second books generally are, would probably be even better having begun with the first. This author has a unique way of storytelling that brings history to life and puts you right in the middle of 1883 Chicago. With a background in business herself, it is no wonder she can make business-graduate Emma come to life so well. This book is 242 pages, but it will seem like less in the end because it will grab your attention from the beginning and never let it go. I recommend reading this book, and I’ll be reading the first to go with it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2021-09-08 15:39:212021-09-10 14:22:30Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Chrissy Spulak
Considering that I am a fan of history, mystery, and young adult book genres, this was a perfect book for me. Not to mention it is the second book in the series so I was excited to see what would happen next. I was not disappointed. I was on the edge of my seat throughout most of this novel as the author truly kept me in suspense. Did I say I wasn’t disappointed? I LOVED IT! The main character is phenomenal. To me, she is the female Sherlock Holmes. And the story took me back to the days of reading Nancy Drew. I absolutely enjoyed the trip back to Chicago in the 1800’s that this book carried me on. I am already waiting to see where the next mystery will take me in this book series.
Notebook Mysteries is the second book in the Decisions and Possibilities series. It centers around 18 year old Emma Evans. It is technically in the Young Adults genre of reading, but anyone would enjoy this book. While this book does stand alone, it references what happened in the first book several times, so it would be best to read the books in order. I really enjoy historical fiction, and I enjoyed the mystery in this book as well. Emma is observant and sweet while still being direct. It’s the perfect read if you like mysteries and/or historical fiction!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2021-09-06 17:18:082021-09-08 22:51:25Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rebecca Hill
Really loved Emma! She is strong, tenacious, and a defender of the weak. She is also a lady ahead of her time, and love the example she sets for younger women in this novel. I didn’t know there was another book before this one. I felt like I missed a lot. I would def encourage anyone to start with book one. I found the cases and the action really great – loved the plot. My only complaint was the narrator breaking into the story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tina Vegahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTina Vega2021-09-05 20:26:532021-09-08 20:39:11Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tina Vega
Okay, so I am seriously about to try the german cheesecake from the wonderful recipes in the back! I absolutely loved this story. This is this first book I’ve read from this series and I am definitely going back to read the first book. Emma , a strong willed 18 year old, has a knack for finding and solving mysteries. This story will find you right alongside Emma putting clues together. She has such a heart for helping people that you just continuously root for her to figure It all out! Every single character adds just enough of their own unique style to just make the book work. This story will keep you guessing till every clue finally finds its place. If you love historical mysteries this is the series for you!!
What a delightful mystery! The characters are fantastic and each is original. I love how easy the story is to follow The narrator part is just to easy to follow. There is just the right amount of action to help keep the boys or girls enthralled. An abuse shelter for women also keeps the story realistic and down to earth. Truly a wonderful good. Highly recommend it
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2021-09-05 10:42:112021-09-08 20:27:43Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Shelly Kittell
I didn’t realise before I started this that this is a sequel so I would probably recommend reading the first book beforehand. In any case, I caught on to Emma, the main character and the wide cast of characters. I liked this YA tale of an 18-year-old solving mysteries in 1880s Chicago, at a time when women were meant to be seen, not heard. I also really enjoyed all the historical details that were weaved into the story. Because there are several cases that Emma solves, there were a few time jumps and new characters introduced rapidly, but it kept the story moving. Cosy mystery!
Notebook Mysteries – Decisions and Possibilities is a brilliant YA story with a twist of the Sherlock Homes and Murdoch Mysteries vibe story with a brilliant main character and a tapestry of mysteries along the way makes this an exciting read.
Emma is a brilliant scholar and business woman with her inventions getting her recognition but with her its her hobby as a amateur sleuth which is getting more momentum and with her next adventure can she solve the crime and bring the suspect to justice.
This is the first book I have read by this author and realised this is the second book regarding this character and loved each word. I am a big crime fan and it was nice to have a easy read but full of twists and turns which has you guessing as you read and working with Emma to find the suspects. I love that this is set in the 1800’s a the backdrop adds another element to the story, Emma is spunky and full of action I love the way she is such a strong character and works hard to be the best she can in whatever she wants.
This is a great easy read story with brilliant twists and turns I love the character of Emma and love to read more in the future.
This is the second book in the series we pick back up with Emma. Finding a way to attend school whislt in a time where women were there to be seen and not heard a different time to now. I enjoyed reading it and am trying out some of the recipes.
I give Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins, 4 stars.
The concept and time period of this book are what caught my interest. The author portrays such an interesting plot and it is obvious that she had done her research. There is such detail that you feel like you are right there along with Emma. The cases she pursues are varied and interesting. You can tell she really wants to help people. Not to mention all of the other things she does to help others. She is such a great main character. Then there are her friends and family. Each one one is different and brings their own unique perspective. They make this story even better. The many things happening throughout the book kept me intrigued and engrossed in this book until the end, where I was pleasantly surprised by how many times the author kept me guessing. That is what a good mystery book should do.
This is a pleasant historical mystery featuring a young woman with violence mention, but no gory detail. I recommend this book to take a step back in time with a wonderful young female detective ahead of her time.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erin Wolfhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErin Wolf2021-09-01 21:58:062021-09-02 09:22:13Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Erin Wolf
This is my first time reading this author. I enjoyed the story and the characters. Ms. Mullins did an excellent job of presenting realistic characters and how they might interact in that time. I feel like she also did an excellent job letting the reader know the timeline of the backstory and how it fit in with the “present day” of Chicago in 1883.
There were multiple mysteries throughout the book that drew you in to the characters and how they worked together using each other’s strengths to solve the crimes. There were some surprises that I wasn’t expecting, too. Definitely looking forward to the next book and seeing what new mysteries they will have to solve!
Notebook Mysteries: Decisions & Possibilities was a good read. I fell in love with this cover when I first saw it and was automatically drawn in from the beautiful characters and design on the front. I was expecting this amazing mystery story with a female lead. I got the female lead, and this book had a myriad compilation of women empowerment scenes, especially for the story being set in the late 1800s. I enjoyed that aspect but for some reason I wasn’t able to be fully drawn into this story like I wanted to. It just felt off to me. I’m not sure if it was an off reading day but it just didn’t vibe well with me. I enjoyed reading it I just kept getting distracted and the storyline just couldn’t hold my attention. Maybe the next one will be better for me!
Notebook Mysteries: Decisions and Possibilities takes place in 1883 in Chicago. Emma is a. 18 year old teen sleuth who is a very likable character. I felt like I was in Chicago during this time period and loved each of the characters. I am excited to read the rest of the series!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paula Sayershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaula Sayers2021-09-01 19:49:562021-09-02 09:18:03Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Paula R Sayers
Emma Evans is an eighteen-year-old who lives in Chicago in 1883. She likes to carry a notebook where she records her observations. She is a young woman before her time. She gets into business school which is almost impossible with the help of an acquaintance. After graduation along with her brother-in-law’s help, Emma talks to the head of the business school to allow more women into the business school as men make more money in other jobs and new companies still need the administrative help.
Along with her business mind, Emma likes solving mysteries. She is involved with the Pinkerton Detective agency, but she doesn’t work there full-time. When a detective colleague investigates an old case that Emma was involved in personally, she becomes friends with a lady that she saved from a brutal beating a few years ago. With this lady’s connections, Emma and her family are able to take women away from the Chicago area where they have had abusive relationships and put them back in touch with family.
Notebook Mysteries is a quaint story that will take to a time when Chicago was just beginning to grow. It’s a time in history when society believed that a woman’s place was inside the home. Fortunately for Emma and other women who did not have a husband the city is getting big enough to be a little more open-minded. Join Emma as her life is full of mysteries that she hopes to solve piece by piece.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins is the second book in the series. This YA tale is full of fun and adventure where a strong-minded young woman is an amateur super sleuth who loves nothing better than solving crimes and getting behind the mystery. The story is set in an era where women were not as equal as their counterparts, so our heroine is strongly involved with women’s rights to be seen and heard and not chained to the kitchen. It reminds me a bit of Nancy Drew. This tale will draw you in and will delight those who are a bit of an amateur sleuth themselves. As an added bonus Kimberly has provided a few recipes that will delight the palate.
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